Help on buying smoker....

[Txstang1]

Found this from Academy site...

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...smoker&Ntk=All

I looked at that one but ended up going with an Oklahoma joes brand smoker from lowes. They are both real similar.


Bcoop, mine leaks a lil smoke too. You said Matt tried rtv and it didn't work too good. I was thinking about using foil and rtv. Do know of anyone that's has tried that ?

Edit/ just saw the OP already bought one.

[bird_dog0347]

Well I'm finishing up the recommended seasoning process on it this afternoon. The instructions said to oil the inside and bring it up to 225-250 for about 2 hours, then take it to 450ish for another hour, then shut it down and let it cool completely. It held 250 no problem for 2 hours, and once I got it hotter my only problem so far has been keeping it under 500... but I likely put too much wood on there too fast. Either way, so far it held the temps I'll be cooking at most of the time really well. Which is really all I can ask for from my first smoker. As for buying better, used, etc... I wanted the best I could get without breaking the bank to see if this is something I'm willing to use the rest of my life. If so, and I get hooked on it, I'll buy a better one and take this one to my uncle's lake house. The good news is the only smoke leaks I saw were at the top hinge area of the fire box, but I might be able to bend something to seal that up...

[ceyko]

I used to see some really good ones on CL. Don't be afraid to buy ones that have surface rust on them. All it takes is a wire wheel on a brush to clean it off and a can of high temp paint to make it like new - and those rough looking ones always go cheaper.

Large cook area, top accessible smoke box and thick steel is what I recommend.

[dblack1]

It'll do just fine with patience. Judging by the weight, if it is correct, it is a little heavier than my small offset. That is a good sign. Keep it under a covered area if you can, they rust out quickly.

[bird_dog0347]

I went ahead and bought the one from home depot... it's pretty decent on thickness compared to ANYTHING else in the price range. To get better you'd have to spend $600-1000 from what I found. I just need to cure it and start smoking.

[dblack1]

Eh, I've got them both. If I was building a competitive rig I'd go offset. I've got two offsets, one is made of 1/2 thick pipe, the other is similar to the last one you posted at home depot.

With a firebox that small/thin sheet metal you will play baby sit the fire all day. Maybe I just suck at maintaining a temperature with it, but I don't know.

I cannot tell a difference in flavor/smoke ring with my egg over a offset, but I cannot do as much weight as I can on my larger offset.

[Rafa]

Buddy of mine has the egg, and it's awesome. I just would like the traditional offset smoker. I'm pretty sure it smokes good, I just don't think you can get the best taste from it compared to an offset smoker. Just my opinion. I'm also more used to using an offset, which a couple friends have. Not sure where else to look besides craigslist, but not seeing many close to my price range. Gonna swing by Academy and look at one I posted.

[dblack1]

Firebox is really small, you will spend a lot of time watching that one.

Try to find a used egg. $500 should find a you a large one. I'm about to try my first >12hr smoke on one.

I smoked for 10 hours with no problem without ever adding coal. Next thursday I'm doing a butt that I'll put on at 9pm and not check again until 7 am friday morning.

[bird_dog0347]

I'm thinking about checking out this one as it has about 100 good reviews online. I know the store in NW Plano has them according to the web.

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Grills-Grill-Accessories-Smokers-Fryers/Brinkmann/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbx92Z39n/R-202252980/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

[bcoop]

Have you tried the Alton Brown method of smoking with an electric burner and a pie pan in that vertical smoker?

Still won't ever compare to a real, offset smoker. It's just not going to happen.

[8mpg]

Have you tried the Alton Brown method of smoking with an electric burner and a pie pan in that vertical smoker?

[bcoop]

It leaks around the lid. Iirc, it did not leak around the firebox door.

[Rafa]

Can't tell from picture. Doesn't say if it's 1/4 steel. Since Matt has it, is it made from 1/4 steel? Where does it leak from?



One I saw at BassPro is this one...

http://www.basspro.com/Horizon-Smoker-16-Classic-Backyard-Smoker/product/10202039/

I just can't afford that high of price for a smoker.

[bcoop]

Found this from Academy site...

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...smoker&Ntk=All

Matt (Silverback) has that same smoker. It's a good deal, but it leaks a bit much for my taste (you can correct it with foil. He tried to use RTV sealant and it didn't work so well).

[Rafa]

Found this from Academy site...

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_311401_-1?Ntt=smoker&Ntk=All